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Boston College graduates with finance degrees earn $75,518 annually while shouldering just $18,000 in debt, making it the earnings leader among Massachusetts finance programs despite its $39,866 net cost. The state's finance programs show remarkable variation, with Framingham State offering the lowest net cost at $16,698 compared to Boston College's premium pricing. Massachusetts finance graduates enter a job market where major employers like Fidelity Investments, State Street Corporation, and Boston Private employ thousands across asset management, investment banking, and wealth management roles. The state's 15 finance programs span from highly selective Northeastern University with its 6.8% acceptance rate to accessible options like UMass Dartmouth at 95.52% acceptance. Public universities deliver strong value propositions, with UMass Amherst graduates earning $57,469 at a $23,691 net cost. The MassGrant Plus program helps reduce costs for in-state students at public institutions, while private colleges like Simmons University achieve 71.2% graduation rates with solid career outcomes at $71,643 median earnings.
22
Programs
$16,698 – $39,866
Net Price Range
$56,439
Avg. Program Earnings
67.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $27,313 $71,643 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
2 $16,698 $43,426 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
3 $23,691 $57,469 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
4 $20,605 $42,235 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
5 $29,969 $60,523 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
6 $24,817 $48,745 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
7 $39,866 $75,518 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
8 $30,031 $52,941 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
9 $32,116 $53,358 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
10 $38,787 $64,253 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
11 $31,065 $50,717 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
12 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
13 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
14 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
15 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
16 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
17 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
18 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
19 $25,702 $35,013 28.4% 74.2%
20 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
21 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
22 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Boston College worth its $39,866 net cost for finance students?

Boston College finance graduates earn $75,518 annually, the highest among Massachusetts programs, while carrying relatively low debt of $18,000. The school maintains a 91% graduation rate and accepts only 16.66% of applicants. Strong alumni networks in Boston's financial district and connections to major firms justify the premium cost for many students.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for finance value?

UMass Amherst offers strong value with graduates earning $57,469 at a $23,691 net cost and 83.2% graduation rate. Framingham State provides the lowest net cost at $16,698 but graduates earn $43,426 with a 49.5% graduation rate. Public options generally offer lower debt loads, with UMass Amherst students averaging $20,500 compared to $25,000-$27,000 at most private colleges.

Is Bentley University worth considering despite its high cost?

Bentley charges $38,787 net cost but delivers strong outcomes with graduates earning $64,253 and achieving an 88.2% graduation rate. The university accepts 57.88% of applicants and maintains $25,000 average debt levels. Its business-focused curriculum and Boston-area location provide direct access to finance internships and entry-level positions.

What role does location play in Massachusetts finance program value?

Boston-area schools like Simmons University and Suffolk University benefit from proximity to Fidelity, State Street, and numerous hedge funds and private equity firms. Simmons graduates earn $71,643 despite the school's 76.46% acceptance rate, while Suffolk students earn $52,941. Regional employers actively recruit from local programs, creating pipeline opportunities for internships and full-time roles.

Does acceptance rate predict finance program quality in Massachusetts?

The data reveals mixed patterns between selectivity and outcomes. Highly selective Boston College (16.66% acceptance) and Northeastern (6.8% acceptance) produce top earners at $75,518 and $53,358 respectively. However, Gordon College with 91.76% acceptance achieves solid $48,745 earnings, while UMass Dartmouth accepts 95.52% but graduates earn only $42,235.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.